"If you drink, do not drive for any reason," NHTSA advises, and no one can say how many ciders take you over the limit. Blood limits are 80 mg per 100 ml in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 50 mg in Scotland, 0.08 g/dL in most US states, 0.05 in Utah and 0.04 for US commercial drivers.

Can I sell homemade cider?

You can't sell homemade cider without the right approvals. In the UK, cider made for your own domestic use is exempt from producer approval, but selling it needs HMRC approval and alcohol licences. In the US, homemade wine and cider for personal or family use may not be sold; commercial cider needs TTB permission and state licences.

Does cider contain sweeteners?

Some ciders contain sweeteners. In the UK, HMRC permits sweeteners such as acesulfame K, aspartame, saccharin and sucralose in cider, and in the EU a food containing sweeteners must say "with sweetener(s)" next to its name. Many other ciders are sweetened with sugar or juice, or not at all. Check the label.

How much juice is in cider?

How much juice is in cider depends on the country. UK duty rules require at least 35% apple or pear juice, US federal hard-cider tax rules require more than 50% apple or pear juice, and French cider is made from apple must, of which no more than half may come from concentrate. French "pur jus" cider uses no concentrate.

Is cider kosher?

Cider is not automatically kosher. Kosher agencies say hard cider needs reliable kosher certification, because added ingredients and equipment shared with non-kosher products can raise concerns. To know whether a cider is kosher, look for a recognised kosher symbol (hechsher) on the can or bottle, or check the certifying agency's list.

What is artisanal cider?

In France, "artisanal" (artisan) cider is a regulated label term since 1 January 2026: the cider must be made by a registered artisan on their own sites, without concentrate or added water, with the artisan's name and address on the label. UK duty guidance and US federal cider rules do not define it.

What is cider in the UK?

In the UK, cider is an alcoholic drink made by fermenting apple or pear juice, under 8.5% ABV. For tax purposes it must contain at least 35% apple or pear juice, which may come from concentrate, and no added alcohol or unapproved colours or flavours. Perry falls under the same legal definition.

What is real cider?

Real cider is CAMRA's term for cider fermented from the whole juice of fresh-pressed apples, without concentrated juice or chaptalisation (added sugar to raise the strength). It is a campaign definition, not a legal one: UK law allows cider from concentrate. Cloudy cider or "100% juice" on a label does not by itself mean a cider is real.

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